Tim Roach, general secretary of GMB said: ‘To shift the production of an iconic British brand like Blue Riband to Poland is completely unacceptable.

‘These factories should be exporting chocolate, not people’s jobs.

‘The Government needs to step in before it’s too late – and reassure millions of workers across the country this is not just the tip of the Brexit iceberg.’

Unite national officer Julia Long said: ‘We will be campaigning to save as many jobs as possible and pressing Nestle to think again about these plans.

‘Rather than turning its back on its UK workforce, Nestle should be investing in its UK operations and keeping production here at plants in the UK.

‘Over the coming days we will be scrutinising the company’s business rationale for these job losses and explore alternatives to its cut-and-run approach.’

Nestle's statement in full

Nestlé UK is informing employees of proposals to make some changes to the factory operations within its UK confectionery business.

These proposals span four different sites: York, Fawdon, Halifax and Girvan and may result in a reduction of 298 roles, predominantly at York and Fawdon, through 2017 and 2018. It is expected that these would be achieved through voluntary redundancies.

The proposed changes include amended and standardised shift patterns at each factory and, at Fawdon, the most complex of Nestlé’s UK confectionery sites, the transfer of Blue Riband production to a Nestlé factory in Poland. This would mean being able to simplify and focus Fawdon’s operation.

These proposals are being made by Nestlé UK to ensure that these sites operate more efficiently and remain competitive in a rapidly changing external environment.

A 45 day consultation on these proposals will commence as soon as possible with trade unions and employee representatives. Nestlé UK appreciates that this is an uncertain time for employees and will work hard to ensure all are supported through this difficult period.